"Winter vomiting bug (norovirus) infection spreading in Ireland

Cases of the infection have reached four times what they were at this time last year. A total of 394 cases were recorded in the first 10 weeks of this year, the health watchdog said in a statement.

This is four times the number recorded at the same stage last year when 109 were confirmed. The HSE said young children and the elderly were the most affected, with 50% of cases occurring in the over-65s and 28% in children under five.

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is an "easily spread" virus that causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea.

In addition to the main symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, people may have norovirus if they have a low-grade fever, headache, painful abdominal pain, and pain in the limbs, the executive said.

Dr Paul McKeown, HPSC consultant in public health medicine, said the virus can live on surfaces for a long time: “If you touch a surface infected with norovirus and then touch your mouth, it can make you sick.

"Cleaning your hands with soap and water is the best protection against contracting norovirus, and it's important to note that alcohol hand gels do not work against the virus."

  "Norovirus infections are usually mild and last only a day or two. However, young children and even the elderly can become ill.

"People infected with norovirus can continue to spread the infection after their symptoms go away, and there is no cure for norovirus infection.

"As a result of pandemic restrictions, very few norovirus cases have been reported over the past few years, but in recent months, cases have started to rise again."

Requirements to prevent the spread of the bug include frequent hand washing and thorough cleaning of contaminated surfaces. The HSE has urged people to be aware of the symptoms of norovirus.